Spectrum access system and access probe hybrid framework

ABSTRACT

Novel tools and techniques for are provided for implementing a hybrid spectrum access system and access probe framework. A system includes a base station coupled to a network, a spectrum access system, and user equipment coupled to the base station and the spectrum access system. The user equipment is configured to transmit, to the base station, a first network access request following a first access sequence while transmitting signals under a first power limit. If no response is obtained from the base station, the user equipment is configured to transmit a second network access request above the first power limit, but under a second power limit. The user equipment is configured to obtain spectrum access from the spectrum access system and transmit a second network access request to the base station.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates, in general, to network access systems,and more specifically to a hybrid framework for accessing a network.

BACKGROUND

Citizens broadband radio service (CBRS) is a new band of spectrum madeavailable for use in the US where power is restricted by type oftransmitter. In CBRS, citizens broadband radio service devices (CBSD)are classified by type, which include category A, category B, categoryC, and end user device (EUD). Each of the types of CBSD are restrictedby maximum equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP). CBRS utilizesa spectrum access system to manage use of the CBRS spectrum by CBSDs.

In typical code division multiple access (CDMA) networks, accesschannels utilize successive access probes of increasing power. In longterm evolution (LTE) networks, such as an LTE machine type communication(LTE-M) network, a random access (RA) procedure is followed by userequipment (UE) to request access to the LTE-M network. In the RAprocedure, a UE transmits a physical random access channel (PRACH) RApreamble sequence, where the power level of the PRACH preamble and PRACHrepetitions are ramped up based on a coverage enhancement (CE) level.Thus, some existing access techniques may conflict with access to theCBRS spectrum.

Accordingly, tools and techniques for implementing a hybrid SAS andaccess probe network access framework are provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the embodimentsmay be realized by reference to the remaining portions of thespecification and the drawings, in which like reference numerals areused to refer to similar components. In some instances, a sub-label isassociated with a reference numeral to denote one of multiple similarcomponents. When reference is made to a reference numeral withoutspecification to an existing sub-label, it is intended to refer to allsuch multiple similar components.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system for a hybrid SAS andaccess probe network access framework, in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of a hybrid SAS and access probe networkaccess framework, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a ramping access probe signalaccording to the hybrid SAS and access probe network access framework,in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of a level ramping of a random accesspreamble signal according to the hybrid SAS and access probe networkaccess framework, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method for a hybrid SAS and access probenetwork access framework, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a computer system for a hybridSAS and access probe network access framework, in accordance withvarious embodiments; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating system of networkedcomputer devices, in accordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description illustrates a few exemplaryembodiments in further detail to enable one of skill in the art topractice such embodiments. The described examples are provided forillustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention.

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the described embodiments. It will be apparent to oneskilled in the art, however, that other embodiments of the present maybe practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances,certain structures and devices are shown in block diagram form. Severalembodiments are described herein, and while various features areascribed to different embodiments, it should be appreciated that thefeatures described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporatedwith other embodiments as well. By the same token, however, no singlefeature or features of any described embodiment should be consideredessential to every embodiment of the invention, as other embodiments ofthe invention may omit such features.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers used herein to expressquantities, dimensions, and so forth used should be understood as beingmodified in all instances by the term “about.” In this application, theuse of the singular includes the plural unless specifically statedotherwise, and use of the terms “and” and “or” means “and/or” unlessotherwise indicated. Moreover, the use of the term “including,” as wellas other forms, such as “includes” and “included,” should be considerednon-exclusive. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompassboth elements and components comprising one unit and elements andcomponents that comprise more than one unit, unless specifically statedotherwise.

The various embodiments include, without limitation, methods, systems,and/or software products. Merely by way of example, a method maycomprise one or more procedures, any or all of which are executed by acomputer system. Correspondingly, an embodiment may provide a computersystem configured with instructions to perform one or more procedures inaccordance with methods provided by various other embodiments.Similarly, a computer program may comprise a set of instructions thatare executable by a computer system (and/or a processor therein) toperform such operations. In many cases, such software programs areencoded on physical, tangible, and/or non-transitory computer readablemedia (such as, to name but a few examples, optical media, magneticmedia, and/or the like).

In an aspect, a system for implementing a spectrum access system andaccess probe hybrid framework is provided. The system includes a basestation coupled to a network, a spectrum access system, and a userequipment coupled to the base station and the spectrum access system.The user equipment includes a processor, and non-transitory computerreadable media comprising instructions executable by the processor tocause the user equipment to perform various operations. For example, theinstructions may be executed by the processor to transmit, to the basestation, a first network access request, the first network accessrequest comprising a first access sequence including of one or moreaccess request signals, and determine whether a response granting accessto the network has been received from the base station. In response todetermining a response granting access to the network has not beenreceived, the user equipment may transmit a spectrum access request tothe spectrum access system, wherein the spectrum access request includesa request for access to one or more frequency ranges of a spectrum. Theinstructions may be further executable by the processor to obtain, viathe spectrum access system, a spectrum access response, wherein thespectrum access response is indicative of whether access to at least oneof the one or more frequency ranges of the spectrum has been granted. Inresponse to the spectrum access response indicating access to the atleast one of the one or more frequency ranges of the spectrum has beengranted, the instructions may further be executed by the processor totransmit a second network access request to the base station, andestablish, in response to the response granting access to the networkhas been received from the base station, a communication channel withthe base station.

Another aspect provides an apparatus for implementing a spectrum accesssystem and access probe hybrid framework is provided. The apparatusincludes a processor, and non-transitory computer readable mediacomprising instructions executable by the processor to transmit, to abase station, a first network access request, the first network accessrequest comprising a first access sequence including of one or moreaccess request signals, and determine whether a response granting accessto a network has been received from the base station. In response todetermining a response granting access to the network has not beenreceived, the apparatus may transmit a spectrum access request to aspectrum access system, wherein the spectrum access request includes arequest for access to one or more frequency ranges of a spectrum. Theinstructions may further be executable by the processor to obtain, viathe spectrum access system, a spectrum access response, wherein thespectrum access response is indicative of whether access to at least oneof the one or more frequency ranges of the spectrum has been granted,and in response to the spectrum access response indicating access to theat least one of the one or more frequency ranges of the spectrum hasbeen granted, transmit a second network access request to the basestation. The instructions may further be executed by the processor toestablish, in response to the response granting access to the networkhas been received from the base station, a communication channel withthe base station.

In a further aspect, a method for a spectrum access system and accessprobe hybrid framework is provided. The method includes transmitting,via user equipment, a first network access request to a base station,the first network access request comprising a first access sequenceincluding of one or more access request signals, and determining, viathe user equipment, whether a response granting access to a network hasbeen received from the base station. The method continues, in responseto determining a response granting access to the network has not beenreceived, by transmitting, via the user equipment, a spectrum accessrequest to a spectrum access system, wherein the spectrum access requestincludes a request for access to one or more frequency ranges of aspectrum, and obtaining, via the spectrum access system, a spectrumaccess response, wherein the spectrum access response is indicative ofwhether access to at least one of the one or more frequency ranges ofthe spectrum has been granted. The method further includes, in responseto the spectrum access response indicating access to the at least one ofthe one or more frequency ranges of the spectrum has been granted,transmitting, via the user equipment, a second network access request tothe base station, and establishing, in response to the response grantingaccess to the network has been received from the base station, acommunication channel between the base station and user equipment.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system 100 for hybrid SAS andaccess probe network access framework. In various embodiments, thesystem 100 includes one or more user equipment (UEs) 105 a-105 n,including a first UE 105 a, and nth UE 105 n. Each of the one or moreUEs 105 a-105 n may include a respective processor 110 a-110 n, storage115 a-115 n, and hybrid access logic 120 a-120 n. The system 100 mayinclude a domain proxy 125, which includes processor 130, storage 135,and hybrid access logic 140. The system 100 further includes spectrumaccess system (SAS) 145, base station 150, and a communication network155. It should be noted that the various components of the system 100are schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 , and that modifications to thesystem 100 may be possible in accordance with various embodiments.

In various embodiments, the first UE 105 a may include processor 110 aand storage 115 a. Storage 115 a may include hybrid access logic 120 a.The first UE 105 a may be coupled to the SAS 145 and base station 150.The nth UE 105 n may similarly be coupled to the SAS 145 and basestation 150. In some embodiments, the nth UE 105 n may be coupled to theSAS 145 via a domain proxy 125. Accordingly, in some examples, the nthUE 105 n may be coupled to a domain proxy 125, which may in turn becoupled to the SAS 145. In various embodiments, the domain proxy 125 maybe coupled to one or more UEs, including the nth UE 105 n. The SAS 145and base station 150 may, in turn, be coupled to a communication network155, respectively.

In various embodiments, the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n, may includevarious types of end-user devices, which may be configured to accessand/or communicate over the communication network 155. For example, a UEmay include, without limitation, a mobile device, such as a smartphone,tablet, hotspot, smart watch or other wearable device, or a laptopcomputer with suitable wireless transceiver, modem, and/or transceiver.The communication network 155 may include a provider network, backbonenetwork, core network, edge network, or other suitable communicationnetwork.

In various embodiments, each of the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n may beconfigured to request access to the communication network 155 utilizingthe hybrid SAS and access probe framework. For example, in someembodiments, the way in which each respective UE of the one or more UEs105 a-105 n requests access to the communication network 155 may bedetermined based on a power level at which a respective request istransmitted by a UE of the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n. For example, aUE of the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n may be configured to transmit afirst access request having a first power limit of a first power level.In some embodiments, the first power level may be a power levelcorresponding to EUDs in CBRS. For example, in some embodiments, thefirst power limit may be an EIRP of 23 dBm/10 MHz.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the first access request may betransmitted directly to a respective base station 150. For example, insome embodiments, the UE may be configured to generate the first accessrequest following a first access sequence. For example, in one set ofembodiments, the first access request may include one or more accessattempts. In some embodiments, the UE may be configured to perform anaccess attempt repeatedly, according to the first access sequence. Anaccess attempt may include, for example, a series of access probes,random access (RA) preamble/request, or other access request signal thatis transmitted by the UE. In some embodiments, the UE may make an accessattempt until either the base station 150 responds, or the maximumnumber of attempts have been made. In each access attempt, the UE may beconfigured to transmit a series of access probe sequences, eachseparated by a waiting period to allow the base station 150 time torespond. If a response is obtained, then no more access probe sequencesare sent. Alternatively, if a maximum number of access probe sequencesare sent without a response from the network, the UE may discontinuetrying to contact the network/base station 150. In yet furtherembodiments, each access probe within a respective access probe sequencemay be transmitted with increasing power. In some embodiments, initialpower levels and maximum power levels may be determined from open looppower control and/or pilot signal strengths received by the UE. Infurther embodiments, each access request may include one or more accessattempts. Accordingly, the first access sequence may include, withoutlimitation, the maximum number of access attempts in an access request,the maximum number of access probe sequences per access attempt, themaximum number of access probes within an access probe sequence, themaximum power level, initial power level, sequence delay between accessprobes in an access probe sequence, and sequence delay between eachrespective access probe sequence.

In some further embodiments, the first access request may include an RAprocedure. For example, the base station 150 may be a node B, includingan eNodeB, configured to broadcast a primary synchronization signal(PSS) and secondary synchronization signal (SSS). The UE may beconfigured to synchronize with the base station 150 after receiving thePSS and SSS, and reading the master information block (MIB) and physicalrandom access channel (PRACH) configuration information in systeminformation block (SIB2), as known to those skilled in the art. Aftersynchronization, the UE may enter the RA procedure, and be configured totransmit a random access channel (RACH) or PRACH RA preamble sequence.As previously described, the PRACH RA preamble sequence may comprise aseries of PRACH RA preambles, in which each of the respective PRACH RApreambles are transmitted with increasing power. Each PRACH RA preamblesequence may be separated by a waiting period to allow the base station150 time to respond. If a response is obtained, then the UE may beconfigured to discontinue transmitting the PRACH RA sequences.Similarly, in some examples, if a maximum number of PRACH RA sequenceshas been sent without a response from the network, the UE maydiscontinue trying to contact the network/base station 150. In eachaccess attempt, the UE may be configured to transmit a series of accessprobe sequences, each separated by a waiting period to allow the basestation 150 time to respond. In some embodiments, initial power levelsand maximum power levels may be determined from open loop power controland/or pilot signal strengths received by the UE, such as frominformation read from SIB2.

In some embodiments, the UE may be configured to follow a level rampingscheme. The level ramping scheme may include, for example, PRACHcoverage enhancement (CE) level ramping. For example, after unsuccessfulattempts at a first PRACH CE level, the UE may be configured to increaseto the next PRACH CE level (and increases the number of PRACHrepetitions per attempt). For example, in some embodiments, the basestation 150 may be configured to operate in two or more operationalmodes. The operational modes may include, without limitation, CE modes,as known to those skilled in the art. Each of the operational modes ofthe base station 150 may include two or more levels. The two or morelevels may include, for example, two or more CE levels. Each CE levelmay determine the number of repetitions, and in some examples, a powerlevel at which an RA preamble is transmitted by the UE. In someembodiments, the CE level may be determined based on a reference signalpower (RSRP) measured by the UE. Accordingly, in various embodiments,two or more RSRP thresholds may be utilized corresponding to two or moreCE levels. In some examples, above a first RSRP threshold, the UE may beconfigured to operate at a CE first level. Below the first RSRPthreshold, but above a second RSRP threshold, the UE may be configuredto operate at a second CE level. Each of the first and second level maybe associated with a first operational mode of the base station 150.

When the reference signal is below the second RSRP threshold but above athird RSRP threshold, the UE may be configured to operate at a third CElevel, and below the third RSRP threshold, the UE may be configured tooperate at a fourth CE level. The third and fourth CE level maycorrespond to a second operational mode of the base station 150. In someembodiments, at the first CE level, the UE may be configured to make norepetitions for PRACH RA preamble transmission. At the second CE level,the UE may be configured to make one or more repetitions for PRACH RApreamble transmission, but less than the number of transmissions made atthe third CE level. At the third CE level, the UE may be configured tomake two or more repetitions of a PRACH RA preamble transmission, morethan the number of transmissions made at the second CE level, but lessthan the number of transmissions made at the fourth CE level. At thefourth CE level, the UE may be configured to make three or morerepetitions of a PRACH RA preamble transmission that is more than thenumber of transmissions made at the third CE level.

In various embodiments, the RSRP thresholds may be determined to bebelow a max EIRP associated with end user devices in CBRS. For example,in some embodiments, the maximum RSRP threshold may correspond to areference signal broadcast at a power level up to the 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRPassociated with end user devices in CBRS. In further embodiments, accessrequests, such as access probes, PRACH/RACH RA preambles, or otheraccess request signals, may be transmitted up to a maximum power levelcorresponding to the 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP. Thus, up to and below the 23dBm/10 MHz EIRP, the first access request may be transmitted accordingto an LTE or LTE-m random access procedure. In other embodiments, the UEmay be configured to perform an access probe sequence, for example, asused in CDMA networks. In yet further embodiments, a combination of anLTE random access procedure and an access probe sequence may beperformed.

In various embodiments, above a power level of 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP, theUE may be configured to operate according to CBRS access procedures. Forexample, in some embodiments, a respective UE of the one or more UEs 105a-105 n may be configured to register with the SAS 145. For example, invarious embodiments, the base station 150 may be configured to providean access response responsive to receiving an access request from arespective UE of the one or more UEs 105 a. If no access response isreceived by the UE, the UE may be configured to enter into SAScommunications, in which the UE may communicate at higher power levelsin CBRS.

Accordingly, when no access response is received to the first accessrequest, the UE may be configured to generate a second access request.In the second access request, the UE may be configured to register withthe SAS 145. The SAS 145 may be configured to determine whether and atwhat power level the UE may communicate in the CBRS spectrum, and toauthorize the UE to communicate with the base station 150 at thedetermined power level.

In various embodiments, the UE may be configured to register with theSAS. SAS registration may include, for example, CBSD registration, asknown to those skilled in the art. In some examples, CBSDs may includethe one or more UEs 105 a-105 n. A UE of the one or more UEs 105 a-105 nmay be configured to discover the SAS 145. In some embodiments, a UE,such as UE 105 n, may be coupled to a domain proxy 125. Accordingly, insome embodiments, the domain proxy 125 may be configured to discover theSAS 145. In various embodiments, the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/ordomain proxy 125 may be configured to connect to the SAS 145 via auniform resource locator (URL). Accordingly, the SAS 145 URL may beprovisioned to each of the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domainproxy 125. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more UEs 105a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 may be pre-provisioned with a URL of theSAS 145, programmed by with the URL of the SAS 145 once deployed, orreceive a broadcast of the URL of the SAS 145 from the SAS 145 itself.

In various embodiments, once the SAS 145 has been discovered, the one ormore UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 may register with the SAS145. Registration with the SAS 145 may include, for example, mutualauthentication between the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domainproxy 125 and the SAS 145. For example, the one or more UEs 105 a-105 nand/or domain proxy 125 may be configured to provide device identityand/or user identity information to the SAS 145. If the device (e.g.,the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125) and/or user issuccessfully authenticated, the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/ordomain proxy 125 may be registered with the SAS 145. The one or more UEs105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 may further be configured toindicate to the SAS a device category and/or group membership,indicative of a power level at which the one or more UEs 105 a-105 nand/or domain proxy 125 may communicate. Once the SAS registrationprocedure has been completed, the SAS 145 may be configured to provide aresponse indicative of whether the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/ordomain proxy 125 has successfully been registered.

Once the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 has beensuccessfully registered, in various embodiments, the one or more UEs 105a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 may be configured to initiate requestsfor spectrum. A request for spectrum, for example, may include a CBSDspectrum inquiry. In various embodiments, the one or more UEs 105 a-105n and/or domain proxy 125 may initiate a spectrum inquiry request. Thespectrum inquiry request may include one or more frequency ranges forwhich the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 mayrequest information. Thus, the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domainproxy 125 may request information regarding the one or more frequencyranges. The SAS 145 may, in turn, assess spectrum availability for eachof the one or more frequency ranges requested in the spectrum inquiryrequest. The SAS 145 may, accordingly, be configured to provide aspectrum inquiry response indicative of information (e.g., availability)of each of the one or more frequency ranges requested in the spectruminquiry request.

In various embodiments, the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domainproxy 125 may be configured to initiate a spectrum grant request, inwhich access to a frequency range is requested by the UE. In someembodiments, the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 maybe configured to request access to a frequency range determined to beavailable based on the spectrum inquiry response. Accordingly, the oneor more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 may be configured todetermine operational parameters to be included in the spectrum grantrequest. Operational parameters may include, without limitation,frequency range and/or maximum EIRP of the CBSD, in this case the one ormore UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 to be used. Accordingly, invarious embodiments, the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy125 may initiate the spectrum grant request to the SAS 145. The SAS 145may be configured to determine if the operational parameters in thespectrum grant request are acceptable. For example, the SAS 145 may beconfigured to determine whether the requested frequency range isavailable, and whether the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domainproxy 125 may transmit signals at the requested maximum EIRP. In variousembodiments, the SAS 145 may be configured to generate a spectrum grantresponse configured to be responsive to the spectrum grant request. Ifit is determined that the operational parameters are acceptable, the SAS145 may accept the spectrum grant request, and provide a spectrum grantresponse configured to indicate that the spectrum grant request has beenaccepted and includes one or more of a grant identifier, a grantexpiration time, and heartbeat interval. If it is determined that theoperational parameters are not acceptable, the SAS 145 may deny thespectrum grant request, and provide a spectrum grant response configuredto indicate that the spectrum grant request has been denied, and suggestoperational parameters to be used by the one or more UEs 105 a-105 nand/or domain proxy 125. In embodiments, the one or more UEs 105 a-105 nand/or domain proxy 125 may then generate a new spectrum grant requestbased on the suggested operational parameters. In some embodiments, theone or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 may further beconfigured to request a spectrum grant renewal via a heartbeat request,as will be described below. The one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/ordomain proxy 125 may be configured to cease transmission on theassociated frequency range upon expiration of the grant.

In various embodiments, the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domainproxy 125 may be unable to utilize the granted frequency range until aheartbeat procedure has been completed. Accordingly, in response toreceiving the spectrum grant response, the one or more UEs 105 a-105 nand/or domain proxy 125 may be configured to initiate the heartbeatprocedure. The heartbeat procedure, for example, may include a CB SDheartbeat procedure. The heartbeat procedure may include periodicallyrequesting authorization, from the SAS 145, to continue using thegranted spectrum. Accordingly, the SAS 145 may be configured todetermine whether to suspend or terminate a spectrum grant responsive tothe heartbeat procedure. In some embodiments, the one or more UEs 105a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 may be configured to transmit aheartbeat request according to a heartbeat timer, set by the SAS 145.For example, to continue using a granted spectrum, the one or more UEs105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 may be configured to generate aheartbeat request any time prior to expiration of the timer. The one ormore UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 may, thus, be configured totransmit the heartbeat request to the SAS 145, which may in turn providea heartbeat response. The heartbeat response may cause the one or moreUEs 105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 to suspend or terminate use ofthe granted spectrum by revoking the spectrum grant. Alternatively, aheartbeat response may be provided indicating that the one or more UEs105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 may continue using the spectrumgrant.

Once the spectrum grant has been provided, the one or more UEs 105 a-105n and/or domain proxy 125 may be configured to transmit a network accessrequest via a respective CBRS base station 150. In some embodiments, alevel ramping access scheme may be implemented, as previously described,in which access to the network 155, via the base station 150, may berequested.

In response to a determination that the spectrum grant has been revoked,whether through a heartbeat response, expiration of the spectrum grant,or a determination that the spectrum grant is no longer needed, the oneor more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 may be configured torelinquish the grant. If the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domainproxy 125 has initiated the relinquishment procedure, the SAS 145 may beconfigured to revoke the spectrum grant to the respective one or moreUEs 105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125. If the one or more UEs 105a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 requires access to the spectrum, a newspectrum grant request procedure may be initiated by the respective CBSD(e.g., the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125). In someembodiments, the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 maynot invoke a grant relinquishment procedure for a spectrum grant thathas expired.

Accordingly, in various embodiments, depending on the power level atwhich the one or more UEs 105 a-105 n and/or domain proxy 125 may beconfigured to request access to the network 155 via the base station 150as previously described, or to obtain a spectrum grant, via the SAS 145,to transmit a network access request to the base station 150.

FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram 200 of a hybrid SAS and access probenetwork access framework, in accordance with various embodiments. Thesequence diagram 200 includes UE 205, SAS 210, domain proxy 215, andbase station 220. It should be noted that the various components of thesequence diagram 200 are schematically illustrated in FIG. 2 , and thatmodifications to the sequence diagram may be possible in accordance withvarious embodiments.

In various embodiments, the UE 205 may be configured to initiate anetwork access request with the base station 220. As previouslydescribed, in some embodiments, the UE 205 may transmit a first accessrequest at a first power level having a first power limit. The firstpower limit may correspond to EUDs in CBRS. For example, the first powerlimit may be a maximum EIRP of 23 dBm/10 MHz. Thus, the UE 205 may, insome embodiments, first attempt to initiate the first access requestdirectly with the base station 220. In some embodiments, the firstaccess request may include a one or more access attempts. Each of theone or more access attempts may include a series of access probes, RArequests, or other access request signal transmitted by the UE 205. Aspreviously described, in some embodiments, the UE 205 may be configuredto transmit each access probe within a respective access probe sequencemay be transmitted with increasing power. For example, the UE 205 may beconfigured to transmit a series of access probe sequences, eachseparated by a waiting period to allow the base station 220 time torespond. If an access response is obtained from the base station 220, orif a maximum number of access probe sequences has been sent without aresponse, then no more access probe sequences are sent.

The UE 205 may be configured to transmit each access probe within arespective access probe sequence may be transmitted with increasingpower, up to the first power limit. In some further embodiments, the UE205 may be configured to implement a level ramping scheme. For example,a CE level may determine the number of repetitions of a RA preamble tobe made by the UE 205. In some embodiments, the CE level may bedetermined based on a RSRP measured by the UE. Accordingly, in variousembodiments, two or more RSRP thresholds may be utilized correspondingto two or more CE levels. In some examples, above a first RSRPthreshold, the UE 205 may be configured to operate at a CE first level.Below the first RSRP threshold, but above a second RSRP threshold, theUE 205 may be configured to operate at a second CE level. Each of thefirst and second level may be associated with a first operational modeof the base station 220. Below the second RSRP threshold but above athird RSRP threshold, the UE 205 may be configured to operate at a thirdCE level, and below the third RSRP threshold, the UE 205 may beconfigured to operate at a fourth CE level. The third and fourth CElevel may correspond to a second operational mode of the base station220.

In various embodiments, in response to receiving the network accessrequest from the UE 205, the base station 220 may provide a networkaccess response. The network access response may indicate, to arespective UE 205, whether access to the network has been granted todenied. Once access has been granted, via the network access response, acommunication channel may be established between the base station 220and the UE 205, via which the UE 205 may communicate over acommunication network associated with the base station 220.

In some alternative embodiments, the UE 205 may be configured to becoupled to the base station 220 via a domain proxy 215. Accordingly, theUE 205 may be coupled to a domain proxy 215. In some embodiments, the UE205 may be configured to register with a domain proxy 215, and transmitan access request to the domain proxy 215. The domain proxy 215 may, inturn, transmit the access request to the base station 220 based on theaccess request received from the UE 205. The base station 220 may, inturn, be configured to provide an access response to the domain proxy215, which may in turn transmit an acknowledgment to the UE 205,indicative of the access response received from the base station 220. Inresponse, a communication may be established between the domain proxy215 and the base station 220, and the domain proxy 215 and the UE 205,over which the UE 205 may communicate. Accordingly, as previouslydescribed, in this example the domain proxy 215 may initiate an accessrequest following an access sequence and/or level ramping.

If no response is received from the base station 220 in response to thefirst access request, the UE 205 may be configured to transmit a secondaccess request at a second power level. The second power level may beconfigured to correspond to a CBSD power level for category A devices.For example, category A devices may have a maximum EIRP of 30 dBm/10MHz. Thus, in some embodiments, the second access request may betransmitted at a power level between 23 and 30 dBm/10 Mhz inclusivelyand/or exclusive of either of the power limits.

Accordingly, when the UE 205 is configured to transmit the second accessrequest at a power level for category A devices in CBRS, the UE 205 maybe configured to first register with an SAS 210. As previouslydescribed, the SAS 210 may be configured to register the UE 205, provideinformation about spectrum availability, and grant or deny access toparts of the CBRS spectrum. Similarly, a base station 220 may also beconfigured to register with the SAS 210, for example, as a category BCBSD.

Accordingly, in various embodiments, the base station 220 may beconfigured to register with the SAS 210, and to transmit a spectrumaccess request to the SAS 210. The SAS 210 may, in turn, be configuredto determine whether a requests frequency range is available. If it isdetermined that the requested frequency range is not available, the SAS210 may provide a spectrum access response denying the spectrum accessrequest. If it is determined that the requested frequency range isavailable, the SAS 210 may provide a spectrum access response grantingthe spectrum access request.

Similarly, the UE 205 may be configured to register with the SAS 210,and to transmit a spectrum access request to the SAS 210. The SAS 210may, in turn, be configured to determine whether a requests frequencyrange is available. If it is determined that the requested frequencyrange is not available, the SAS 210 may provide a spectrum accessresponse denying the spectrum access request. If it is determined thatthe requested frequency range is available, the SAS 210 may provide aspectrum access response granting the spectrum access request.

Once the spectrum access request has been granted, the UE 205 may beauthorized to transmit a second access request at the second powerlevel, for example, up to a maximum EIRP of 30 dBm/10 MHz. Thus, the UE205 may be configured to transmit the second access request to the basestation 220. In some embodiments, as described with respect to the firstaccess request, the UE 205 may be configured to transmit one or moreaccess probes, one or more RA preambles, or other access requestsignals, as part of the second access request. Each of the one or moreaccess probes and/or RA preambles may be transmitted with increasingpower. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more access probesand/or RA preambles may be transmitted from 23 dBm/10 MHz to the maximumof 30 dBm/10 MHz. In further embodiments, the UE 205 may be configuredto further implement level ramping, as previously described, in whichthe number of repetitions of access attempts within the second accessrequest may be increased accordingly to CE level. In response toreceiving the access request, the base station 220 may be configured toprovide a network access response, granting and/or denying access to thecommunication network.

Various access schemes are described in greater detail below withrespect to FIGS. 3A & 3B. In various embodiments, the access schemesdepicted in FIGS. 3A & 3B may be implemented by either the UE and/or adomain proxy, as applicable. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a rampingaccess probe signal in an access request 300A according to the hybridSAS and access probe network access framework, in accordance withvarious embodiments. The access request 300A may include one or moreaccess attempts, such as the one or more access probe sequences 305a-305 n. Each of the access probe sequences 305 a-305 n may include oneor more access probes 310 a-310 e. It should be noted that the varioussignals of the access request 300A are schematically illustrated in FIG.3A, and that modifications to the signals of the access request 300A maybe possible in accordance with various embodiments.

As previously described, each access attempt of an access request mayinclude a sequence of access probes, RA preambles, or other accessrequest signals. In the embodiments depicted, the access attemptscomprise one or more access probe sequences 305 a-305 n. Each of theaccess probe sequences 305 a-305 n may be separated by a sequence delay.The sequence delay may be an amount of time each respective access probesequence from a subsequent access probe sequence. For example, aftertransmitting a first access probe sequence 305 a, the UE may beconfigured to wait for the expiration of the sequence delay beforetransmitting a second access probe sequence 305 b.

In various embodiments, each of the access probe sequences 305 a-305 nmay include a series of access probes 310 a-310 e. Each respectiveaccess probe 310 a-310 d may be separated from a respective subsequentaccess probe 310 b-310 e by a probe delay. For example, aftertransmitting the first access probe 310 a, the UE may be configured towait for the duration of the probe delay before transmitting a secondaccess probe 310 b. Each of the subsequent access probe 310 c-310 e maybe transmitted after a respective probe delay has elapsed.

Furthermore, as previously described, the UE may be configured totransmit each access probe 310 a-310 e of a respective access sequence305 a-305 n with increasing power. For example, a first access probe 310a may be transmitted at a first power level, which may be lower than asecond power level at which the second access probe 310 b may betransmitted. The third power level at which the third access probe 310 cis transmitted may be higher than the second power level, but lower thana fourth power level at which the fourth access probe 310 d istransmitted. A fifth access probe 310 e may be transmitted at a fifthpower level, which may correspond to a power limit at which the accessrequest 300A is transmitted.

As previously described, in some embodiments, the power limit maycorrespond to a CBSD power level of EUDs. In some examples, the powerlimit may correspond to a maximum EIRP of 23 dBm/10 MHz. Thus, invarious embodiments, the fifth access probe 310 e may be transmitted ata power level less than or equal to the power limit.

While operating at or below the power limit, the UE may be configured totransmit the access request directly to a base station. In someembodiments, if a response is received from the base station, the UE maybe configured to cease transmitting the access probe sequences 305 a-305n. In further embodiments, if no response is received from the basestation, the UE may be configured to cease transmitting the access probesequences 305 a-305 n after a maximum number (e.g., an n-number) ofaccess attempts have been made. As previously described, if after themaximum number of access attempts no response has been received, the UEmay be configured to request spectrum access from a respective SAS.

Once spectrum access has been received, in some embodiments, the UE maybe configured to transmit an access request 300A in the granted CBRSspectrum. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the access request 300A maybe a second access request, transmitted above a corresponding maximumEIRP of 23 dBm/10 MHz, after the UE has ceased the first access request.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the second access request maysimilarly include a sequence of access probes 305 a-305 n. In thisexample, the power limit may correspond to a maximum EIRP for category ACBSDs. Thus, in some embodiments, the power limit may be a maximum EIRPof 30 dBm/10 MHz.

In some further embodiments, the UE may further be configured toimplement level ramping in access requests at power levels correspondingto EUDs and/or Category A CBSDs. FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of levelramping of an access request 300B, according to the hybrid SAS andaccess probe network access framework. The access request 300B mayinclude one or more RA preamble sequences, including a first RA preamblesequence 315 a, second RA preamble sequence 315 b, third RA preamblesequence 315 c, and fourth RA preamble sequence 315 d. Each of the RApreamble sequences 315 a-315 d may comprise one or more RA preambles320. It should be noted that the various signals of the access request300B are schematically illustrated in FIG. 3B, and that modifications tothe signals of the access request 300B may be possible in accordancewith various embodiments.

In various embodiments, the access request 300B may be configured tofollow a level ramping procedure, based on an RSRP threshold measured bythe UE. It should be understood that although each RA preamble sequence315 a-315 d are depicted in sequence along the time axis, each RApreamble sequence 315 a-315 d should be considered independently withrespect to time. That is, the fourth RA preamble sequence 315 d is notnecessarily transmitted first, before RA preamble sequences 315 a-315 c,and similarly, the first preamble sequence is not transmitted last afterRA preamble sequences 315 b-315 d.

As previously described, the RSRP may be the measured power level of areceived reference signal from a base station. In some embodiments, theRSRP thresholds may be indicative of proximity to the base stationtransmitting the reference signal. For example, the closer that a UE isto a base station, such as a category B CBSD or other suitable CBRS basestation, the RSRP may be measured to be higher. Conversely, when a UE isfarther away from a base station, the RSRP may be measured to be lower.

Accordingly, when RSRP exceeds the RSRP threshold 1, the UE may beconfigured to operate at a first CE level (CE level 1). In someembodiments, because an RSRP exceeding RSRP threshold 1 may correspondto close proximity to the base station, in some examples, the UEoperating in CE level 1 may be configured to transmit the RA preamblesequence 315 a with no repetitions. Accordingly, in some embodiments,the first RA preamble sequence 315 a may include one RA preamble 320. Infurther embodiments, in CE level 1, the UE may be configured to transmitthe RA preamble at a lower power level. For example, due to the closeproximity to the base station, the UE may be configured to save power bytransmitting the RA preamble 320 at a lower power level. In otherembodiments, the RA preamble 320 may be transmitted at a power levelless than or equal to the power limit, which may correspond to a maximumEIRP for EUDs (e.g., 23 dBm/10 MHz) and/or category A CBSDs (e.g., 30dBm/10 MHz), depending on whether a first access request with a powerlimit of 23 dBm/10 Mhz is being transmitted, or a second access requestis being transmitted at a power greater than 23 dBm/10 MHz but less thanthe power limit of 30 dBm/10 MHz.

If RSRP exceeds a second RSRP threshold (RSRP threshold 2), but is lowerthan RSRP threshold 1, the UE may be configured to operate at a secondCE level (CE level 2). At CE level 2, the UE may be configured totransmit a second RA preamble sequence 315 b. The second RA preamblesequence 315 b, in this example, may include two repetitions of the RApreamble 320. As previously described, in some embodiments, each of theRA preambles 320 of the second RA preamble sequence 315 b may betransmitted with increasing power. The UE may further be configured totransmit each of the RA preambles 320 of the second RA preamble sequence315 b at a power level less than or equal to the power limit.

If RSRP exceeds a third RSRP threshold (RSRP threshold 3), but is lowerthan RSRP threshold 2, the UE may be configured to operate at a third CElevel (CE level 3). At CE level 3, the UE may be configured to transmita third RA preamble sequence 315 c. The third RA preamble sequence 315c, in this example, may include three repetitions of the RA preamble320. As previously described, in some embodiments, each of the RApreambles 320 of the third RA preamble sequence 315 c may be transmittedwith increasing power. The UE may further be configured to transmit eachof the RA preambles 320 of the third RA preamble sequence 315 c at apower level less than or equal to the power limit.

Similarly, if RSRP is lower than RSRP threshold 3, the UE may beconfigured to operate at a fourth CE level (CE level 4). At CE level 4,the UE may be configured to transmit a fourth RA preamble sequence 315d, which may include four repetitions of the RA preamble 320. Aspreviously described, in some embodiments, each of the RA preambles 320may be transmitted with increasing power, up to the power limit. Inother embodiments, as an RSRP lower than RSRP threshold 3 may beindicative of distance from the base station, the UE may be configuredto transmit a stronger RA preamble signal. Accordingly, in someexamples, the UE may transmit the fourth RA preamble sequence 315 d atpower level corresponding to the maximum EIRP for EUDs (e.g., 23 dBm/10MHz) and/or category A CBSDs (e.g., 30 dBm/10 MHz), as applicable.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method 400 for a hybrid SAS and accessprobe network access framework. The method 400 begins, at block 405, byinitiating a first access request. For example, as previously described,the UE and/or a domain proxy may initiate a first access request bymaking a series of access attempts. Each access attempt may include asequence of access probes, RA preambles, and/or other suitable accessrequest signals. In various embodiments, the UE and/or a domain proxy,may be configured to initiate a first access request with a respectivebase station. In some embodiments, initiating a first access request mayinclude generating and transmitting the first access request to the basestation. In some examples, the first access request may include signalstransmitted at a power level up to a power limit. In some embodiments,the power limit may include, without limitation, a power levelassociated with EUDs in CBRS (e.g., a maximum EIRP of 23 dBm/10 MHz).

The method 400 may continue, at block 410, by measuring an RSRP. Invarious embodiments, the RSRP may be a measured signal strength of areference signal transmitted by a base station. As previously described,in some embodiments, the UE may be configured to implement a levelramping scheme, which a CE level is determined based on an RSRP.Therefore, in various embodiments, the UE may be configured to measurean RSRP of a reference signal.

The method 400 continues, at block 415, by transmitting an accesssequence 415. As previously described, the first access request mayinclude one or more access sequences. Access sequences may include,without limitation, a sequence of access probes, RA preambles, or othersuitable access request signal. As previously described, in variousembodiments, an access sequence may be transmitted by the UE and/ordomain proxy, in which each access request signal (e.g., access probeand/or RA preamble) is transmitted with increasing power. In furtherembodiments, the UE and/or domain proxy may be configured to implementlevel ramping, in which a CE level may be determined based on the RSRP.The CE level may determine a number of repetitions made for each accessrequest signal in an access sequence.

At decision block 420, it is determined whether a response has beenreceived from the base station. If a network access response indicatingnetwork access has been granted is received, the method 400, at block425, may continue by establishing a communication channel between the UEand/or domain proxy, and the base station.

If no response has been received from the base station, or a responsehas been received denying network access, the method 400 may continue,at decision block 430, by determining whether to repeat transmitting theaccess sequence. As previously described, in various embodiments, the UEand/or domain proxy may be configured to cease transmitting the accesssequence after a maximum number of access attempts have been made, or ifa response has already been received. Thus, if a maximum number ofaccess attempts have not yet been made, it may be determined to repeattransmission of the access sequence. In some embodiments, repetition ofthe access sequence may further include following a level rampingscheme, in which subsequent access sequences may be transmitted with agreater number of access request signals.

If it is determined that the access sequence should not be transmittedagain, the UE and/or domain proxy may be configured to request access tothe CBRS spectrum. Accordingly, the method 400 may continue, at block435, by registering with an SAS. The method 400 may continue, at block440, by transmitting a spectrum access request to the SAS. At decisionblock 445, it is determined whether access has been granted to thespectrum by the SAS. If it is determined that spectrum access has notbeen granted, the spectrum access request may be modified based on aspectrum access response from the SAS.

If it is determined that spectrum access has been granted, the method400 may continue, at block 455, by initiating a second access request.As previously described, initiating the second access request mayinclude generating and transmitting the second access request to acorresponding base station. The second access request may includesignals that may be transmitted at a power level up to a power limit.The power limit of the second access request may include, withoutlimitation, a power level associated with category A CBSDs (e.g., amaximum EIRP of 30 dBm/10 MHz).

The method 400 may continue, at block 460, by transmitting an accesssequence of the second access request. As previously described, theaccess sequence may include, without limitation, a sequence of accessprobes, RA preambles, or other suitable access request signals. Aspreviously described, in various embodiments, an access sequence may betransmitted by the UE and/or domain proxy, in which each access requestsignal (e.g., access probe and/or RA preamble) is transmitted withincreasing power. In further embodiments, the UE and/or domain proxy maybe configured to implement level ramping, in which a CE level may bedetermined based on the RSRP. The CE level may determine a number ofrepetitions made for each access request signal in an access sequence.In this case, power levels with which the access request signal aretransmitted may exceed the power limit associated with the first accessrequest (e.g., greater than 23 dBm/10 MHz), but be less than the powerlimit of the second access request (e.g., 30 dBm/10 MHz).

At decision block 465, it is determined whether a response has beenreceived from the base station. If no response has been received, or ifa response has been received denying access to the network, the method400 continues, at block 460, by transmitting the access sequence again.At block 470, if a response has been received granting access to thenetwork, a communication channel may be established between the basestation and the UE and/or domain proxy.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a computer system 500 for ahybrid SAS and access probe network access framework, in accordance withvarious embodiments. The computer system 500 is a schematic illustrationof a computer system (physical and/or virtual), such as a UE, domainproxy, SAS, base station controller, or other systems, which may performthe methods provided by various other embodiments, as described herein.It should be noted that FIG. 5 only provides a generalized illustrationof various components, of which one or more of each may be utilized asappropriate. FIG. 5 , therefore, broadly illustrates how individualsystem elements may be implemented in a relatively separated orrelatively more integrated manner.

The computer system 500 includes multiple hardware (or virtualized)elements that may be electrically coupled via a bus 505 (or mayotherwise be in communication, as appropriate). The hardware elementsmay include one or more processors 510, including, without limitation,one or more general-purpose processors and/or one or morespecial-purpose processors (such as microprocessors, digital signalprocessing chips, graphics acceleration processors, andmicrocontrollers); one or more input devices 515, which include, withoutlimitation, a mouse, a keyboard, one or more sensors, and/or the like;and one or more output devices 520, which can include, withoutlimitation, a display device, and/or the like.

The computer system 500 may further include (and/or be in communicationwith) one or more storage devices 525, which can comprise, withoutlimitation, local and/or network accessible storage, and/or can include,without limitation, a disk drive, a drive array, an optical storagedevice, solid-state storage device such as a random-access memory(“RAM”) and/or a read-only memory (“ROM”), which can be programmable,flash-updateable, and/or the like. Such storage devices may beconfigured to implement any appropriate data stores, including, withoutlimitation, various file systems, database structures, and/or the like.

The computer system 500 may also include a communications subsystem 530,which may include, without limitation, a modem, a network card (wirelessor wired), an IR communication device, a wireless communication deviceand/or chipset (such as a Bluetooth™ device, an 802.11 device, a WiFidevice, a WiMax device, a WWAN device, a low-power (LP) wireless device,a Z-Wave device, a ZigBee device, cellular communication facilities,etc.). The communications subsystem 530 may permit data to be exchangedwith a network (such as the network described below, to name oneexample), with other computer or hardware systems, between data centersor different cloud platforms, and/or with any other devices describedherein. In many embodiments, the computer system 500 further comprises aworking memory 535, which can include a RAM or ROM device, as describedabove.

The computer system 500 also may comprise software elements, shown asbeing currently located within the working memory 535, including anoperating system 540, device drivers, executable libraries, and/or othercode, such as one or more application programs 545, which may comprisecomputer programs provided by various embodiments, and/or may bedesigned to implement methods, and/or configure systems, provided byother embodiments, as described herein. Merely by way of example, one ormore procedures described with respect to the method(s) discussed abovemay be implemented as code and/or instructions executable by a computer(and/or a processor within a computer); in an aspect, then, such codeand/or instructions can be used to configure and/or adapt a generalpurpose computer (or other device) to perform one or more operations inaccordance with the described methods.

A set of these instructions and/or code may be encoded and/or stored ona non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as the storagedevice(s) 525 described above. In some cases, the storage medium may beincorporated within a computer system, such as the system 500. In otherembodiments, the storage medium may be separate from a computer system(i.e., a removable medium, such as a compact disc, etc.), and/orprovided in an installation package, such that the storage medium can beused to program, configure, and/or adapt a general purpose computer withthe instructions/code stored thereon. These instructions may take theform of executable code, which is executable by the computer system 500and/or may take the form of source and/or installable code, which, uponcompilation and/or installation on the computer system 500 (e.g., usingany of a variety of generally available compilers, installationprograms, compression/decompression utilities, etc.) then takes the formof executable code.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that substantialvariations may be made in accordance with specific requirements. Forexample, customized hardware (such as programmable logic controllers,single board computers, FPGAs, ASICs, and SoCs) may also be used, and/orparticular elements may be implemented in hardware, software (includingportable software, such as applets, etc.), or both. Further, connectionto other computing devices such as network input/output devices may beemployed.

As mentioned above, in one aspect, some embodiments may employ acomputer or hardware system (such as the computer system 500) to performmethods in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.According to a set of embodiments, some or all of the procedures of suchmethods are performed by the computer system 500 in response toprocessor 510 executing one or more sequences of one or moreinstructions (which may be incorporated into the operating system 540and/or other code, such as an application program 545 or firmware)contained in the working memory 535. Such instructions may be read intothe working memory 535 from another computer readable medium, such asone or more of the storage device(s) 525. Merely by way of example,execution of the sequences of instructions contained in the workingmemory 535 may cause the processor(s) 510 to perform one or moreprocedures of the methods described herein.

The terms “machine readable medium” and “computer readable medium,” asused herein, refer to any medium that participates in providing datathat causes a machine to operate in a specific fashion. In an embodimentimplemented using the computer system 500, various computer readablemedia may be involved in providing instructions/code to processor(s) 510for execution and/or may be used to store and/or carry suchinstructions/code (e.g., as signals). In many implementations, acomputer readable medium is a non-transitory, physical, and/or tangiblestorage medium. In some embodiments, a computer readable medium may takemany forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatilemedia, or the like. Non-volatile media includes, for example, opticaland/or magnetic disks, such as the storage device(s) 525. Volatile mediaincludes, without limitation, dynamic memory, such as the working memory535. In some alternative embodiments, a computer readable medium maytake the form of transmission media, which includes, without limitation,coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires thatcomprise the bus 505, as well as the various components of thecommunication subsystem 530 (and/or the media by which thecommunications subsystem 530 provides communication with other devices).In an alternative set of embodiments, transmission media can also takethe form of waves (including, without limitation, radio, acoustic,and/or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave andinfrared data communications).

Common forms of physical and/or tangible computer readable mediainclude, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk,magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, any other opticalmedium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patternsof holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chipor cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any othermedium from which a computer can read instructions and/or code.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying oneor more sequences of one or more instructions to the processor(s) 510for execution. Merely by way of example, the instructions may initiallybe carried on a magnetic disk and/or optical disc of a remote computer.A remote computer may load the instructions into its dynamic memory andsend the instructions as signals over a transmission medium to bereceived and/or executed by the computer system 500. These signals,which may be in the form of electromagnetic signals, acoustic signals,optical signals, and/or the like, are all examples of carrier waves onwhich instructions can be encoded, in accordance with variousembodiments of the invention.

The communications subsystem 530 (and/or components thereof) generallyreceives the signals, and the bus 505 then may carry the signals (and/orthe data, instructions, etc. carried by the signals) to the workingmemory 535, from which the processor(s) 510 retrieves and executes theinstructions. The instructions received by the working memory 535 mayoptionally be stored on a storage device 525 either before or afterexecution by the processor(s) 510.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating system of networkedcomputer devices, in accordance with various embodiments. The system 600may include one or more user devices 605. A user device 605 may include,merely by way of example, desktop computers, single-board computers,tablet computers, laptop computers, handheld computers, edge devices,and the like, running an appropriate operating system. User devices 605may further include external devices, remote devices, servers, and/orworkstation computers running any of a variety of operating systems. Auser device 605 may also have any of a variety of applications,including one or more applications configured to perform methodsprovided by various embodiments, as well as one or more officeapplications, database client and/or server applications, and/or webbrowser applications. Alternatively, a user device 605 may include anyother electronic device, such as a thin-client computer,Internet-enabled mobile telephone, and/or personal digital assistant,capable of communicating via a network (e.g., the network(s) 610described below) and/or of displaying and navigating web pages or othertypes of electronic documents. Although the exemplary system 500 isshown with two user devices 605 a-605 b, any number of user devices 605may be supported.

Certain embodiments operate in a networked environment, which caninclude a network(s) 610. The network(s) 610 can be any type of networkfamiliar to those skilled in the art that can support datacommunications, such as an access network, core network, or cloudnetwork, and use any of a variety of commercially-available (and/or freeor proprietary) protocols, including, without limitation, MQTT, CoAP,AMQP, STOMP, DDS, SCADA, XMPP, custom middleware agents, Modbus, BACnet,NCTIP, Bluetooth, Zigbee/Z-wave, TCP/IP, SNA™ IPX™ and the like. Merelyby way of example, the network(s) 610 can each include a local areanetwork (“LAN”), including, without limitation, a fiber network, anEthernet network, a Token-Ring™ network and/or the like; a wide-areanetwork (“WAN”); a wireless wide area network (“WWAN”); a virtualnetwork, such as a virtual private network (“VPN”); the Internet; anintranet; an extranet; a public switched telephone network (“PSTN”); aninfra-red network; a wireless network, including, without limitation, anetwork operating under any of the IEEE 802.11 suite of protocols, theBluetooth™ protocol known in the art, and/or any other wirelessprotocol; and/or any combination of these and/or other networks. In aparticular embodiment, the network may include an access network of theservice provider (e.g., an Internet service provider (“ISP”)). Inanother embodiment, the network may include a core network of theservice provider, backbone network, cloud network, management network,and/or the Internet.

Embodiments can also include one or more server computers 615. Each ofthe server computers 615 may be configured with an operating system,including, without limitation, any of those discussed above, as well asany commercially (or freely) available server operating systems. Each ofthe servers 615 may also be running one or more applications, which canbe configured to provide services to one or more clients 605 and/orother servers 615.

Merely by way of example, one of the servers 615 may be a data server, aweb server, orchestration server, authentication server (e.g., TACACS,RADIUS, etc.), cloud computing device(s), or the like, as describedabove. The data server may include (or be in communication with) a webserver, which can be used, merely by way of example, to process requestsfor web pages or other electronic documents from user computers 605. Theweb server can also run a variety of server applications, including HTTPservers, FTP servers, CGI servers, database servers, Java servers, andthe like. In some embodiments of the invention, the web server may beconfigured to serve web pages that can be operated within a web browseron one or more of the user computers 605 to perform methods of theinvention.

The server computers 615, in some embodiments, may include one or moreapplication servers, which can be configured with one or moreapplications, programs, web-based services, or other network resourcesaccessible by a client. Merely by way of example, the server(s) 615 canbe one or more general purpose computers capable of executing programsor scripts in response to the user computers 605 and/or other servers615, including, without limitation, web applications (which may, in somecases, be configured to perform methods provided by variousembodiments). Merely by way of example, a web application can beimplemented as one or more scripts or programs written in any suitableprogramming language, such as Java™, C, C#™ or C++, and/or any scriptinglanguage, such as Perl, Python, or TCL, as well as combinations of anyprogramming and/or scripting languages. The application server(s) canalso include database servers, including, without limitation, thosecommercially available from Oracle™, Microsoft™, Sybase™, IBM™, and thelike, which can process requests from clients (including, depending onthe configuration, dedicated database clients, API clients, webbrowsers, etc.) running on a user computer, user device, or customerdevice 605 and/or another server 615.

In accordance with further embodiments, one or more servers 615 canfunction as a file server and/or can include one or more of the files(e.g., application code, data files, etc.) necessary to implementvarious disclosed methods, incorporated by an application running on auser computer 605 and/or another server 615. Alternatively, as thoseskilled in the art will appreciate, a file server can include allnecessary files, allowing such an application to be invoked remotely bya user computer, user device, or customer device 605 and/or server 615.

It should be noted that the functions described with respect to variousservers herein (e.g., application server, database server, web server,file server, etc.) can be performed by a single server and/or aplurality of specialized servers, depending on implementation-specificneeds and parameters.

In certain embodiments, the system can include one or more databases 620a-620 n (collectively, “databases 620”). The location of each of thedatabases 620 is discretionary: merely by way of example, a database 620a may reside on a storage medium local to (and/or resident in) a server615 a (or alternatively, user device 605). Alternatively, a database 620n can be remote so long as it can be in communication (e.g., via thenetwork 610) with one or more of these. In a particular set ofembodiments, a database 620 can reside in a storage-area network (“SAN”)familiar to those skilled in the art. In one set of embodiments, thedatabase 620 may be a relational database configured to host one or moredata lakes collected from various data sources. The databases 620 mayinclude SQL, no-SQL, and/or hybrid databases, as known to those in theart. The database may be controlled and/or maintained by a databaseserver.

The system 600 may further include one or more UEs 625, domain proxy630, SAS 635, and base station 640. In various embodiments, the UE maybe coupled to the base station 640, and the SAS 635. In someembodiments, the UE may optionally be coupled to the domain proxy 630,which may in turn be coupled to the SAS 635 and base station 640.

As previously described, the one or more UEs 625 may be configured toattempt to access a network, such as network 610, via the base station630. Accordingly, the one or more UEs 625 may be configured to initiatea network access request with the base station 640. In some embodiments,the UE may be configured to generate and transmit a first network accessrequest. The first network access request may be transmitted with apower limit corresponding to a max EIRP for EUDs in CBRS. For example,the power limit may be a maximum EIRP of 23 dBm/10 MHz. The firstnetwork access request may include one or more access sequences. Eachaccess sequence includes a sequence of one or more access probes, RApreambles, or other suitable access request signal. In some embodiments,the one or more access request signals of each access sequence may betransmitted with increasing power. For example, an access sequence mayinclude a sequence of access request signals. A first access requestsignal of the access sequence may be transmitted at a first power levellower than a second power level of a subsequence second access requestsignal. Each subsequent access request signal may be transmitted withincreasing power until the power limit has been reached. In yet furtherembodiments, as previously described, level ramping may be implementedin the first access request. In various embodiments, a domain proxy maysimilarly be configured to generate and transmit the first accessrequest as applicable.

In various embodiments, the UE 625 and/or domain proxy may be configuredto determine whether a response has been received from the base station640 and/or whether access has been granted by the base station 640 tothe network 610. If it is determined that no response has been receivedafter a maximum number of access sequences has been transmitted, the UE625 and/or domain proxy 630 may be configured to cease transmission ofthe first access request. The UE 625 and/or domain proxy 630 may, insome embodiments, then transmit a second access request at a power levelexceeding the power limit of the first access request. The second accessrequest may similarly have a power limit, exceeding the power limit ofthe first access request, but less than a maximum EIRP associated withcategory a CBSDs.

To transmit signals at the higher power level in the CBRS spectrum, theUE 625 and/or domain proxy 630 may be configured to register with theSAS 635, and to transmit a respective spectrum access request to the SAS635. As previously described, the spectrum access request may includeone or more frequency ranges for which access is requested. The SAS 635may, therefore, determine whether the one or more frequency ranges areavailable, and grant and/or deny access to the spectrum. Once spectrumaccess has been granted, the UE 625 and/or domain proxy may beconfigured to transmit the second network access request to the basestation 640 at the higher power level. Like the first network accessrequest, the second network access request may include one or moreaccess sequences to be transmitted by the UE 625 and/or domain proxy630. The access request signals of the access sequence of the secondnetwork access request may, accordingly, be transmitted with increasingpower, and/or further be implemented with level ramping procedures aspreviously described.

While certain features and aspects have been described with respect toexemplary embodiments, one skilled in the art will recognize thatnumerous modifications are possible. For example, the methods andprocesses described herein may be implemented using hardware components,software components, and/or any combination thereof. Further, whilevarious methods and processes described herein may be described withrespect to certain structural and/or functional components for ease ofdescription, methods provided by various embodiments are not limited toany single structural and/or functional architecture but instead can beimplemented on any suitable hardware, firmware and/or softwareconfiguration. Similarly, while certain functionality is ascribed tocertain system components, unless the context dictates otherwise, thisfunctionality can be distributed among various other system componentsin accordance with the several embodiments.

Moreover, while the procedures of the methods and processes describedherein are described in sequentially for ease of description, unless thecontext dictates otherwise, various procedures may be reordered, added,and/or omitted in accordance with various embodiments. Moreover, theprocedures described with respect to one method or process may beincorporated within other described methods or processes; likewise,system components described according to a specific structuralarchitecture and/or with respect to one system may be organized inalternative structural architectures and/or incorporated within otherdescribed systems. Hence, while various embodiments are describedwith—or without—certain features for ease of description and toillustrate exemplary aspects of those embodiments, the variouscomponents and/or features described herein with respect to oneembodiment can be substituted, added and/or subtracted from among otherdescribed embodiments, unless the context dictates otherwise.Consequently, although several exemplary embodiments are describedabove, it will be appreciated that the invention is intended to coverall modifications and equivalents within the scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a base station coupled to anetwork; a spectrum access system; a user equipment coupled to the basestation and the spectrum access system, the user equipment comprising:processor; and non-transitory computer readable media comprisinginstructions executable by the processor to: transmit a spectrum accessrequest to the spectrum access system, wherein the spectrum accessrequest includes a request for access to one or more frequency ranges ofa spectrum; obtain, via the spectrum access system, a spectrum accessresponse, wherein the spectrum access response is indicative that accessto at least one of the one or more frequency ranges of the spectrum hasbeen granted; in response to the spectrum access response, transmit anetwork access request to the base station; and establish, in responseto the response granting access to the network has been received fromthe base station, a communication channel with the base station.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the network access request is transmitted ata power level exceeding a first power limit and up to a second powerlimit.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first power limit is amaximum equivalent isotropically radiated power of 23 dBm/10 MHz.
 4. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the second power limit is a maximumequivalent isotropically radiated power of 30 dBm/10 MHz.
 5. The systemof claim 2, wherein a first access sequence includes increasing thepower of one or more access request signals, wherein the instructionsare further executable by the processor to: transmit a first accessrequest signal of a first access sequence at a first power; and transmiteach subsequent access request signal of the one or more access requestsignals at a subsequent power greater than a preceding power, andwherein the subsequent power does not exceed the first power limit. 6.The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executableby the processor to: obtain, via the base station, a reference signal;measure a reference signal power of the reference signal; in response todetermining that the reference signal power exceeds a first referencesignal power threshold, enter a first operational mode, wherein in thefirst operational mode, one or more access request signals is repeated afirst number of repetitions; and in response to determining that thereference signal power does not exceed the first reference signal powerthreshold, enter a second operational mode, wherein in the secondoperational mode, the one or more access request signals is repeated asecond number of repetitions greater than the first number ofrepetitions.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the user equipment iscoupled to the base station via a domain proxy, wherein each of thenetwork access request and response granting access to the network fromthe base station are communicated between the base station and userequipment via the domain proxy.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein theinstructions are further executable by the processor to: determinewhether a first access sequence has been transmitted to the base stationa maximum number of times; and in response to determining that the firstaccess sequence has not been transmitted to the based station themaximum number of times, repeat transmission of the first accesssequence to the base station; wherein the spectrum access request istransmitted after it is determined that the first access sequence hasbeen transmitted to the base station the maximum number of times.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the one or more access request signalsincludes one of one or more access probes or one or more random accesspreambles.
 10. An apparatus comprising: a processor; and non-transitorycomputer readable media comprising instructions executable by theprocessor to: transmit a spectrum access request to a spectrum accesssystem, wherein the spectrum access request includes a request foraccess to one or more frequency ranges of a spectrum; obtain, via thespectrum access system, a spectrum access response, wherein the spectrumaccess response is indicative that access to at least one of the one ormore frequency ranges of the spectrum has been granted; in response tothe spectrum access response, transmit a network access request to thebase station; and establish, in response to the response granting accessto the network has been received from the base station, a communicationchannel with the base station.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, whereinthe second network access request is transmitted at a power levelexceeding a first power limit and up to a second power limit.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the first power limit is a maximumequivalent isotropically radiated power of 23 dBm/10 MHz.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions are further executableby the processor to: transmit a first access request signal of a firstaccess sequence at a first power; and transmit each subsequent accessrequest signal of the one or more access request signals at a subsequentpower greater than a preceding power, and wherein the subsequent powerdoes not exceed the first power limit.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to:obtain, via the base station, a reference signal; measure a referencesignal power of the reference signal; in response to determining thatthe reference signal power exceeds a first reference signal powerthreshold, enter a first operational mode, wherein in the firstoperational mode, the or more access request signals is repeated a firstnumber of repetitions; and in response to determining that the referencesignal power does not exceed the first reference signal power threshold,enter a second operational mode, wherein in the second operational mode,the one or more access request signals is repeated a second number ofrepetitions greater than the first number of repetitions.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the instructions are further executableby the processor to: determine whether a first access sequence has beentransmitted to the base station a maximum number of times; and inresponse to determining that the first access sequence has not beentransmitted to the based station the maximum number of times, repeattransmission of the first access sequence to the base station; whereinthe spectrum access request is transmitted after it is determined thatthe first access sequence has been transmitted to the base station themaximum number of times.
 16. A method comprising: transmitting, via userequipment, a spectrum access request to a spectrum access system,wherein the spectrum access request includes a request for access to oneor more frequency ranges of a spectrum; obtaining, via the spectrumaccess system, a spectrum access response, wherein the spectrum accessresponse is indicative that access to at least one of the one or morefrequency ranges of the spectrum has been granted; in response to thespectrum access response, transmitting, via the user equipment, anetwork access request to a base station; and establishing, in responseto the response granting access to the network has been received fromthe base station, a communication channel between the base station anduser equipment.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the network accessrequest is transmitted at a power level exceeding a first power limitand up to a second power limit, the method further comprising:transmitting, via the user equipment, a first access request signal of afirst access sequence at a first power; and transmitting, via the userequipment, each subsequent access request signal of the one or moreaccess request signals at a subsequent power greater than a precedingpower, and wherein the subsequent power does not exceed the first powerlimit.
 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising: obtaining, via thebase station, a reference signal; measuring, via the user equipment, areference signal power of the reference signal; in response todetermining that the reference signal power exceeds a first referencesignal power threshold, entering, via the user equipment, a firstoperational mode, wherein in the first operational mode, the one or moreaccess request signals is repeated a first number of repetitions; and inresponse to determining that the reference signal power does not exceedthe first reference signal power threshold, entering, via the userequipment, a second operational mode, wherein in the second operationalmode, the one or more access request signals is repeated a second numberof repetitions greater than the first number of repetitions.